Russia’s Ransomware Gangs Are Being Named and Shamed
In a recent string of cybercrime cases, Russia has become known as the home of some of the world’s most powerful and sophisticated ransomware networks. The country has not shied away from making headlines with its ransomware gangs, often making headlines in international media. But now, thanks to the work of security researchers, Russian ransomware gangs are being named and shamed.
Notorious Ransomware Networks
The first high-profile ransomware gang to be identified by researchers was the infamous “Lucky12345” gang. They had a long track record of successful attacks and were believed to be the reason behind a number of high-profile companies having their data encrypted.
Another ransomware gang from Russia is the “Tofsee” gang, which has been linked to major ransomware attacks in the past, including the infamous “WannaCry” attack from 2017. They are believed to be responsible for a great deal of encryption-based ransom demands and have even been linked to attacks on government agencies.
Identifying the Gangs
Security researchers are now using a combination of machine learning and manual analysis to identify and track down the ransomware gangs. With this approach, the researchers are able to trace the own pattern of targeted attacks and detect the ransomware networks that are behind them.
By connecting all the evidence, researchers have been able to identify and name some of the most notorious ransomware gangs in Russia. The list includes:
- Lucky12345
- Tofsee
- CryptoMix
- Avalanche
- LockBit
- Devil Ransomware
- Ryuk
Stopping the Criminals
With the names and faces of the gangs being unveiled, security researchers are being empowered to take a stand against the ransomware gangs. This has resulted in the gangs being placed in the spotlight and public pressure being put on them to stop their malicious activities.
Some of the gangs have even been successfully shut down and their members apprehended by law enforcement. This is a step in the right direction in the fight against ransomware, and researchers are hoping that this will set a precedent that will be followed in other cases.
Conclusion
Ransomware gangs in Russia have had a long history of mischievous activities, but now their identities and criminal networks are being unmasked. Security researchers are using a combination of machine learning and manual analysis to identify the gangs and their signatures, making it easier to connect them to their crimes. This has led to public pressure and law enforcement action, and is a positive step in the fight against ransomware.
Russia has long been known as a breeding ground for cyber crime, and ransomware gangs are no exception. Over the past year, there has been an unprecedented effort to expose and hold accountable the individuals and organizations responsible for the most high-profile ransomware attacks.
In April 2021, for instance, the US Justice Department unsealed indictments against two Russian nationals behind the Ryuk and TrickBot ransomware. The men stand accused of causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Meanwhile, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) has simultaneously been working with its Russian counterparts to publicly identify several Russian criminals suspected of taking part in ransomware activities.
These public shaming efforts have been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, many see them as an effective deterrent and welcome the approach. On the other hand, some have raised concerns that these activities could lead to retaliatory attacks.
Regardless of the likely effectiveness of these initiatives, they are a clear signal of the international community’s growing willingness to combat cybercrime by naming and shaming those responsible for it. By doing so, authorities are hoping to make high profile ransomware gangs think twice before launching their next attack.
In the coming months and years, additional public shaming efforts, both from within Russia and from the international community, are likely to further coincide to take a stand against cybercrime. As these efforts become increasingly visible and internationally coordinated, the world’s most notorious ransomware gangs may soon find themselves facing the very real possibility of accountability and public humiliation.